A new 'toy' I've invested in recently is this set of Bachrus RollingRoad Saddles ; the 'Large Scales 60-series' set, for gauges between 23mm and 45mm, to run my O scale locos on, as I lack a roundy-roundy for them and even my Shunty-planks are relatively short...

I've used some aluminium 'U' shaped channel strip to make the testing rig with power connecters screwed to one end; you are supposed to be able to seat the saddles on ordinary track, but I found the rail chairs got in the way on Peco track, and on plain soldered Code 100 track I've made the copper-clad sleepers themselves got in the way; on these channel strips there are no obstructions so any axle/wheel-base set-up is easy, and the saddles are fully supported (and ergo; the weight of the loco too!)

Not only is this rig useful for running in engines and troubleshooting any running problems, it also means I can simply run my engines more anyway, since I can set one up and leave it running whilst doing something else as well- I no longer have to divide my precious spare time so much between 'modelling' and 'operating'...

I got them from Digitrains as per the link above. This was the cheapest price I could find this side of the Pond, and not far off what I worked out it'd cost to order direct from the US, taking shipping & customs charges into account... and that was before the exchange rate plunged last week!!!_________________What is this thing called "Spare Time"...??